Why is it strange to open a new electronics box?

When buying and unpacking a new electronic product such as a phone, a laptop, we will send a characteristic strange smell but after a period of use it gradually disappears. Where does that strange smell come from, let's find the answer in the article below.

For good reason, new electronic devices contain all kinds of adhesives, flame retardants, protective coatings and plastic chemicals. These chemicals contain a variety of volatile solid or liquid organic compounds (VOCs).

VOC is a natural volatile compound below or room temperature. Most natural smells are VOCs.

Why is it strange to open a new electronics box? Picture 1

When you open the box of new electronic devices, the VOC in it will evaporate into the air you are breathing in, this process is often called off-gassing or exhaust. And they create a characteristic smell of intact new electronic devices from the factory.

The process of air discharge takes place right from the time the product is manufactured in the factory, but when the machine is boxed and sealed, this rate of exhaust is significantly limited. The reason is that inside the box there is no gap to ventilate, so VOC cannot evaporate and stick to electronic devices.

The exhaust process is complete when you can't smell the strange smell on the device.

The old device will not have this smell, so VOC is one of the factors that help you identify whether the electronic device is new or not.

Is exposure to VOC harmful?

VOC is a latent "poison" and is rarely noticed, if people are exposed to long-term effects that can affect their health. Many countries have made regulations that require manufacturers to limit certain VOCs on each product.

Why is it strange to open a new electronics box? Picture 2

So, you can be assured of strange odors on the electronic device at the time of opening the box, because it is not long enough to affect your health. For further peace of mind, you can proceed to peel the box of electronic products in the outdoor space and always open the door openly while opening the box.

Long-term VOC inhalation cases are common if a person has to live in a newly renovated building without a good ventilation system.